9/27/2017

Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

Soda Lake, Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

Carrizo Plain National Monument is a BLM managed, 385 square mile grassland wilderness about 100 miles Northwest of Los Angeles. It is the largest native grassland preserve in California. The monument encompasses the northern two thirds of a valley between two low mountain ranges. The preserved section of the valley is over 30 miles long. The monument also includes the slopes and significant portions of the ranges on both sides. Soda Lake (pictured) is a large dry alkali lake in the center of the valley near the Northern end of the monument. There aren't many paved roads going into and out of the monument. Soda Lake road from highway 58 is is paved and in good condition to Soda Lake. All other roads including Soda Lake from 33/166 are gravel or partially gravel and some may require a high clearance vehicle. There are two campgrounds in the monument and open camping is allowed in the hills. I have not spent the night there but it seems like it would be a great place to camp. Very few people visit Carrizo plain. You are not likely to see many people anywhere in the monument other than at the main Soda Lake view point.

 

Soda Lake, Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

Soda Lake, Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

Soda Lake, Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

 

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